by Dr. Sarah Treanor Bois, PhD
Director of Research & Conservation at the Linda Loring Nature Foundation
Last year at this time, the plants in our wild spaces looked a little different. Rather than lush and green, we were faced with dry, desiccated plants looking more like they were trying to survive a desert than a coastal island. Many deciduous trees were going dormant much earlier than usual, with leaves changing color and shedding off trees and shrubs. It looked more like late October than August on-island. In August of 2025 we were in a designated level 2 drought. Not only were there water restrictions, but the community as a whole was noticing the effects of drought on the open space around us. The crispy leaves and dry grasses were much more obvious that we were in a drought.
Today we are still under drought conditions, but things don’t look as “crisp.” As of August 7, the state declared that we were still in the level 2 drought (mass.gov/info-details/drought-status) which is considered a “Significant Drought,” but some people are questioning that designation.
Drought is a lack of cumulative conditions over time. When we look at the data, we see well below normal rainfall. That coupled with higher-than-normal summer temperatures have led to that declaration of drought.
From a practical and human standpoint, it has meant water use restrictions and limitations for those on Town Water. After months of drought conditions, it can mean depleted water supplies. Groundwater, freshwater wetlands, and ponds are significantly lower than normal.
Despite the drought declaration, which is based in science and real data, there has been pushback because things might not seem as visibly crispy as they did under previous drought conditions. We’ve had just enough rain recently for the open space habitat of the Middle Moors, the South Shore, and our open grasslands to look a little bit lush. When everything looks green, has fruit, and flowers, it may not seem like we are under drought conditions or should be restricted. You have to look below the surface to see what’s really going on.
The Linda Loring Nature Foundation has been collecting daily precipitation data since 2014. That data collected there and at other stations across the island help us figure out not only the seasonal averages, but what the long-term trends are for precipitation on our island. You can see a summary of the LLNF data at dex.cocorahs.org/stations/MA-NT- 1/precip-summary. Last year at this time when we looked at the 30-year average, we were receiving only half as much or less precipitation in each of the summer months. This year, out of the last 8 months, 5 have been well-below normal by 25-50%. Only January, March, and July had levels at or slightly above normal precipitation levels. But it’s still not enough to get us out of our water debt. Over time, that water deficit coupled with increased water use builds on the drought conditions. It’s not one week, one month, or one rain event that matters. It’s the longer-term trends and what’s going on with our aquifer.
That rain deficit from previous low water or drought conditions has meant that we are at a shortfall. Think of it like draining your bank account below zero and owing the bank. Just because you make more money at a later time, doesn’t mean you are suddenly flush. You first have to pay it back just to get to zero. That’s what this summer has been like for our drought conditions. The little bit of rain that we’ve had has fed the plants by soaking into the topsoil. Anything that’s made it to the aquifer is just paying back all the water use that we’ve already drawn down after over a year of dry conditions. So, while we do have precipitation and things look a bit lush, we’re still under drought conditions and our water supplies, our aquifer, still needs to be replenished.
As the state said in their recent drought declaration:, “The (recent) rainfall helped replenish rivers, streams, and soil. Even with that improvement, drought conditions remain in parts of the state because groundwater, which supplies wells, rivers, and wetlands, recovers more slowly than rainfall. The greatest long-term precipitation deficits remain in eastern Massachusetts, particularly Nantucket, where groundwater levels continue to be well below normal despite recent rain.”
It is heartening to note that community water use has decreased as was recently reported. The message seems to finally be getting through. Small conservative water measures can make a big difference as we continue to replenish our groundwater.
Here are some things that you can do for conservation of water resources:
- Adhere to watering restrictions laid out by the Town of Nantucket and the state
- Conserve indoor water use voluntarily even if on well water
- Be fire-safe in the out of doors
- Plant drought-resistant and native species
The Nantucket Land and Water Council also has some great recommendations they posted in June: nantucketlandwater.org/nantucket-is-in-a-droughtwhat- does-that-mean-for-you-as-a-resident.
Residents are encouraged to report dry environmental conditions and upload photos through the Massachusetts Water Impact Reporter to help the state monitor drought impacts in real time.
The state’s Drought Management Task Force (DMTF) will continue monitoring conditions over the coming weeks to determine whether the recent rain will lead to lasting improvements. The DMTF met again on August 20..
